ADRIAN — When Jane Stickney took a tour of the Catherine Cobb Domestic Violence Shelter recently, she was shocked at the condition of the building. Stickney, a teacher at Adrian Middle School 7-8, talked with other teachers and students at the school and decided to do something about it.

Stickney had visited the shelter to deliver dinners from the AMS Turkey Drive, which provides a holiday dinner for needy families. She said the building, while still functional, seemed to be a bit dreary.

"I thought that a little bit of paint would go a long way," Stickney said.

As a result of her thoughtfulness, a series of fundraising and volunteer efforts have begun. The hope is to do some needed repairs and upgrades to the shelter, which is under the auspices of the Family Counseling and Children's Services of Lenawee County. Operation Renovation is under way with the goal of upgrading the facility and making it welcoming to those who need it.

One of the people who became involved was retired teacher Roy Gonzalez. He, Stickney, Rebecca Wagley and Carol McRae head the committee that is organizing the efforts.

"We want to spread the passion. People are so willing to step up and help," Gonzalez said. "We have received donations from Lowe's, Adrian High School, Walmart, Meijer. We want to start a chain reaction."

The fundraising began with a $2,000 check presentation Wednesday from students at AMS 7-8 to Jill Hicks, the children's program coordinator at Catherine Cobb. Molly Wilson, an eighth-grade student at AMS and a National Honor Society officer, said the students got involved because it is a good project.

"We thought it looked cool and is a good way for us to help," she said.

Sharon Hudson, executive director at Family Counseling, and board vice president Grace Garno expressed the hope that people can give not just money but also time. Hudson said the shelter has been a safe and secure haven to more than 4,000 women and children in the past 10 years.

"There are lots of big ways and small ways that people can help," Garno said.

A major renovation was completed in 2003, but, Hudson said, just the everyday wear and tear of the past 10 years has taken a toll on the building. A number of upgrades have already taken place, she said.

Heavy-duty washers and dryers have been purchased, expanded lockers for personal items are being built, and a digital security system is in place, Hudson said. Repairs to the plumbing systems and floors and a general sprucing up to give the shelter a homier feel are still needed.

Page 2 of 2 - Gonzalez said organizers have planned out their strategy.

"In February we are raising the funds, and March is the work month," he said. "Anyone who wants to volunteer is welcome."

One of the fundraising efforts is a spaghetti dinner at Adrian High School. The event is planned for 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Feb. 20 in the high school cafeteria. Dinner is $5 for adults, $4 for seniors and $3 for students, Gonzalez said.

"You can get a great meal and help Catherine Cobb," he said.

Hudson said people can send donations to Family Counseling and Children's Services, 220 N. Broad St., Adrian, MI 49221 or call 265-5352 and speak with her, Hicks or Kara Dominique.

Gonzalez said the efforts at the county schools are related to Rachel's Challenge, named for high school student Rachel Joy Scott, who was killed in the Columbine, Colo., shootings.

Operation Renovation

Sharon Hudson, executive director of Family Counseling and Children's Services, listed the priorities for Operation Renovation:

— Bathrooms: The four serving the residents will be the focus of this part of the project, and ongoing issues related to shower overflow and flooring will be resolved.